Hormuz Strait Vessel Traffic Edges Up After the Weekend

Cargo vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained in the single digits on Monday (August 17), despite a slight increase from the weekend, according to preliminary shipping data released on Tuesday. Maritime activity through the strategic waterway remained subdued as negotiations between the US and Iran continued to face difficulties in reaching an agreement.

According to vessel-tracking data from Kpler, a total of six cargo vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, including three vessels departing the Gulf and three entering the area. This was significantly below the 10-day average of 11 vessels per day.

Traffic was even lower over the weekend, with three vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and just two on Sunday.

Notably, no very large crude carriers (VLCCs) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers were recorded transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

Vessel-tracking data may not fully capture actual activity, as some vessels may transit the Strait of Hormuz with their AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals switched off. Such vessels are not included in the statistics.

VLGC Xavia Transits the Iranian Route

Among the vessels recorded, the very large gas carrier (VLGC) Xavia entered the Strait of Hormuz via the Iranian-side shipping route while sailing in ballast, meaning it was not carrying cargo, according to Kpler data.

VLGCs are commonly used to transport liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), such as propane and butane.

In addition to Xavia, the data showed that a medium-range fuel tanker and an intermediate-range tanker also entered the Gulf.

In the opposite direction, three vessels were recorded departing the Gulf: a medium-sized LPG carrier, a Panamax bulk carrier and a Panamax-sized fuel tanker.

Although vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz edged up from the two weekend days, maritime activity remained well below normal levels. In particular, the absence of VLCCs and LNG carriers from the strait indicates that shipowners and operators remain cautious about security risks along this critical shipping route.

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Source: Phaata.com (According to Marine Link)

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